On the German Blue Community / Blue City of Büdingen:
Today is World Refill Day, which marks the launch of the new ‘Refill Büdingen – Büdingen fills up!’ initiative in the town of Büdingen. The initiative aims to provide citizens with free access to tap water in public spaces, offering a simple and environmentally friendly solution for all.
The refill principle is straightforward: anyone can fill their water bottle with tap water for free in participating shops, public institutions and restaurants. This will help to reduce the consumption of single-use plastic bottles and raise awareness of sustainable alternatives.
In Büdingen, 15 refill stations are already part of the network, including the town hall, municipal library, tourist information office, ice cream parlour, opticians and jewellers. Participating establishments can be recognised by a blue refill sticker on their door or window. The stations can also be found online on the interactive ‘Map of Tomorrow’. Five stations in Büdingen are already listed there, with the rest to follow in the coming weeks. The project is coordinated by the ‘Blue Community Büdingen’ working group and supported by the city council and municipal utilities.
The working group is hoping for a garden show.
At a recent press conference, the working group presented the first refill plaque to Büdingen city council. The second plaque was presented to Ina Schneider, owner of the Hellerschen Buchhandlung bookshop.
Schneider decided early on to participate: “I’m a big fan of water. If I know a product belongs to the Nestlé Group, I won’t buy it. I don’t think it’s right to take water away from people and then sell it back to them at a high price.”
Michael Kringe, the youth hostel manager, has also supported the initiative for years. “The idea came from an employee – she showed it to me and I was immediately on board. We’re a bit off the beaten track, but as part of the State Garden Show, a hiking trail will pass by here, which may attract more visitors and help to establish the concept,” he says.
Mayor Benjamin Harris (CDU) praised the initiative’s launch and commitment: ‘We are on the right track, even if it is not always easy. But there are successes to report.”
As well as protecting the environment, there are other advantages for users and participating institutions, such as free drinking water, reduced waste and greater sustainability in everyday life. The stations can also position themselves as environmentally friendly, strengthen customer loyalty, and increase their visibility through a planned social media campaign on Instagram and Facebook.
Jochen Heyermann, head of the municipal utilities, sees great potential, especially among young people. “The concept has to catch on first. Our children always have their water bottles with them at school – it’s common practice. If they know they can fill their bottles in the city, they will do so.”
